1997 Nissan Pathfinder Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 7%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, 7% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I moved to charleston sc in june of 2007 from richmond va. I began to hear a clicking sound whenever I would turn a corner or turn steering wheel to park or leave driveway about a year ago. Everytime I took vehicle in for oil change or maintenance, I would tell mechanic. It wasn't until may of 2011 someone actually checked front tires and axles and strut mounts. This is when I was informed of damage. I still have spent hundreds trying to repair numerous other problems because noone knew exactly what was wrong. I've had to pay for three front end alignments in two weeks because of this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10436808, filed 2011-11, 136,000 miles“While driving 35 MPH, another vehicle suddenly stopped in front of the consumer's vehicle which caused the consumer to veer off the road and hit a curb. The vehicle's axle broke and was towed to the dealership for analysis. The brake system resulted in a complete lost of control of the vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the right, the accelerator pedal would stick, there was a rattling/buzzing sound upon acceleration, the brakes slipped, and the accelerator did not respond at times. Prior to the incident the struts leaked and the left front stabilizer bar was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10044690, filed 2003-12, 90,000 miles“Sometimes, the ABS does not stop the truck on gravel roads. When applying the brakes, the brakes lock up, causing the SUV to slide. The dealer is aware of the problem. Dealer could not find a problem with the ABS. Around 8/15/98 consumer applied the brakes, and the SUV would not stop, continued to slide and crashed into a electric gate on consumer's property.”
NHTSA complaint #827424, filed 1998-08“Problems started at 2,600 miles. Tires needed to be replaced at 3,000, car shakes between 45 and 60 MPH. Brakes vibrate when applied, and car shimmys to a stop. Vehicle had $6,000.00 in repairs to fix a rear end thump. Front end bottoms out when going over large bumps, new struts were installed ,now problem is worse. Vibration noise is non-fixable according to Nissan. Nissan service claims all problems are inherent to the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #707334, filed 1999-06“The Nissan dealer creats all kind of tactics to delay to fix all the known problems to Nissan Pathfinder model. I have enough evidences and witnesses to prove that they undermine customer 's trust. They doctored the problems instead of recognizing them and fix them.”
NHTSA complaint #714452, filed 1999-11Related service bulletins
- 10192217Jul 23, 2013If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 20% |
| 2025 | 11 | 19% |
| 2024 | 26 | 30% |
| 2023 | 22 | 21% |
| 2022 | 35 | 26% |
| 2020 | 8 | 15% |
| 2019 | 14 | 18% |
| 2018 | 21 | 27% |
| 2017 | 11 | 6% |
| 2016 | 14 | 13% |
| 2015 | 26 | 8% |
| 2014 | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 | 67 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% |
| 2011 | 6 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% |
| 2009 | 5 | 14% |
| 2008 | 9 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 18 | 2% |
| 2004 | 15 | 22% |
| 2003 | 13 | 12% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% |
| 2000 | 11 | 10% |
| 1999 | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 10% |
| 1997 | 15 | 7% |
| 1996 | 15 | 9% |
| 1995 | 11 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
105 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology